Birkbeck, University of London

University

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

This Integrated PhD will help you to achieve a critical conceptual understanding of evidence and theory relating to recent developments in the field. You will then be in a position to apply this understanding to your own professional context.
You will take taught modules as part of your qualifying requirement. The aim of these modules is to help you to gain the skills, knowledge and understanding to engage with and evaluate research and theory. These modules will also enable you to prepare and carry out a research project.

Entry requirements

A first degree and a taught Master's degree in a relevant subject.

This programme is designed for candidates with recent and relevant experience of, and/or professional training in, classroom language teaching. However, candidates with limited classroom language teaching experience may apply if they have an excellent academic record in a field related to language teaching/TESOL and can demonstrate a strong interest in, and the ability to reflect critically on, key issues in language learning and teaching.
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

Course modules

You will take taught modules as part of your qualifying requirement. The aim of these modules is to help you to gain the skills, knowledge and understanding to engage with and evaluate research and theory. These modules will also enable you to prepare and carry out a research project.

Assessment methods

As part of the qualifying requirement, you will complete 180 credits of postgraduate taught modules in the department. At the doctoral phase, a dissertation of 45,000-55,000 words will be required. At the end of the taught component, you will be considered for entry to the research component of the programme, if you have satisfactorily passed your modules and demonstrated evidence of independent research skills and sufficient specialist knowledge in an area commensurate with the research interests of staff in the department. At the end of the taught year(s), you will be asked to attend an interview where your candidacy for the PhD will be assessed.

Sponsorship information

A limited number of School Research Studentships (fees-only) are available by competition; international students may be eligible to apply for International Research Studentship awards.